PAWS Wildlife Center is part of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network in Washington State. We rehabilitate injured and orphaned Harbor Seals. Since 1981 we have received more than 70 Harbor Seals for rehabilitation.

We do not, however, pick up injured seals from a beach and do not accept seals from the general public without prior authorization from the NOAA Fisheries division.

Report injured/orphaned seal pups

Harbor Seal pups spend much of their time out of the water on beaches warming up or resting while their moms are away feeding, sometimes for up to 48 hours. More often than not, a pup does not need help. You may observe the pup from more than 100 yards away with binoculars or a spotting scope.

If you believe a Harbor Seal pup or other marine mammal has been unattended by his mom for more than 48 hours, or is clearly in distress or injured, contact the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network Hotline at 1.866.767.6114 or the NOAA Seal Hotline on 1.866.767.6114.